# FRENCH ONION BUTTER RICE
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serving: Serves 4
## Introduction
This recipe will guide you on how to create a tasty and sumptuous dish named French Onion Butter Rice. It’s simple yet flavorful and perfect for those looking for a side dish that’s more than just the usual plain rice.
## Why Make This Recipe
If you’re tired of ordinary white rice and looking for ways to add richness to it, this recipe is an ideal solution. The addition of French onions makes the rice savory while the butter brings creaminess and taste, making the dish a perfect accompaniment for grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables.
## How to Make French Onion Butter Rice
### Ingredients:
– 1 cup long-grain white rice
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
– 1 1/2 cups beef broth
– 1/2 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
### Directions:
1. Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook it until it turns golden brown and caramelized. This should take about 10-12 minutes. While doing so, stir occasionally to avoid burning.
3. Sprinkle the thyme over the onions, followed by the rice. Cook for another two minutes, stirring continuously to ensure the rice grains are coated with butter and onions.
4. Pour the beef broth and water in it and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Once boiling, turn the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer till the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. This should take about 18-20 minutes.
6. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to help it stay fluffy and separate. Season it with salt and pepper. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley.
## How to Serve French Onion Butter Rice
Serve your French Onion Butter Rice with roasted chicken, beefsteak, or grilled vegetables. You can also enjoy it on its own, as the flavors are rich and satisfying. Here’s a tip: accompany it with a glass of white wine to add an extra touch of sophistication to your meal!
## How to Store French Onion Butter Rice
Store any leftover French Onion Butter Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for 3-4 days. When reheating, it’s best to do it over the stove on low heat to retain its moistness and flavor.
## Tips to Make French Onion Butter Rice
For a creamy texture, you can replace water with one-fourth cup of milk or cream. Also, for an extra level of flavor, you might consider adding a cube of chicken stock or a teaspoon of bouillon powder to the recipe.
## Variation
Add in some cooked meat or veggies to make it a complete meal. Furthermore, if you want to make it vegan, use olive oil instead of butter and vegetable broth in place of beef broth.
## FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice but bear in mind that it would require a slightly longer cooking time.
2. Do I have to use fresh thyme?
No, you can use dried thyme as indicated in the recipe or even substitute it with other herbs of your choice like rosemary or oregano.
3. Can I use a rice cooker for this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to saute the onions on the stove before transferring all the ingredients to the rice cooker.